Hagel: US still aims to act with allies on Syria

The US defence secretary has said the Obama administration is consulting with allies to "further develop the facts" about last week's alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria.

Chuck Hagel was speaking at a news conference in Manila after British MPs rejected possible UK military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

A government motion was defeated by 285 to 272, a majority of 13 votes.

Mr Hagel said the opinion of the UK would still be sought.

"The British have been very strong in condemning the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons and that vote in the parliament doesn't change that. And that's a very significant position for any nation to take publicly. We'll continue to work with Britain and consult with Britain as we are with all our allies."